Clashes broke out in Jammu and Kashmir district on Saturday, June 29, after local administration officials attempted to raze a mosque allegedly built on government land in a Muslim majority area.
According to the reports, six policemen were injured in a clash with protesters opposing the J&K authorities’ demolition drive, and a deputy superintendent of J&K police is among the six police officials who were injured.
As reported by The Wire, eye witnesses said that police officers and district administration officials of Kathua arrived in Nagri locality with three to four bulldozers at around 6 a.m. on Saturday to raze down the mosque on the ground allegedly built on government land.
Locals claim that the mosque was built about eight to ten years ago and was recently renovated.
However, the J&K National Conference has strongly condemned the action. “The JKNC strongly advises the administration against targeting any religious, caste, or community group. The principles of our secular nation have been upheld for generations, and such actions are a blatant disregard for these values. The selective targeting of Masjids raises serious concerns about possible polarisation before elections,” the NC said.
Calling upon Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the NC urged “to initiate a thorough investigation into this incident and urged the people to maintain calm and composure.”
Meanwhile, Syed Chaudhary, president of the Dodhi Gujjar Association, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed that the district administration didn’t give any notice to the locals prior to the demolition.
“They could have talked to our elders before taking such a drastic step. Hundreds of mosques, temples, and gurudwaras in Jammu were built on public land. Why has just one place of worship been targeted? This is an attack on our community, and we won’t allow it,” he said.
J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari strongly condemned the “attempt to demolish a mosque” and “the desecration of holy books at Gujjar Basti Nagri.”.
“This incident has deeply upset the Muslim community and threatens the peaceful environment in Jammu and Kashmir during the Amarnath Ji pilgrimage. I warn the administration to desist from such acts against any religion, caste, or creed. Our secular nation has maintained its principles for generations. The administration should have pursued legal measures instead of desecrating a religious site. I urge L-G Manoj Sinha Ji to conduct a thorough investigation,” he said on X.
However, Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner of Kathua, defending the action, said,. “Anti-encroachment drive carried out in Village Purab Chak, Kathua today! Action taken against illegal occupants who ignored multiple notices,” he said. “Let’s work together to combat illegal constructions & maintain peace. No to misinformation, yes to the rule of law!
